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Science News for January 18, 2011


Are sharks color blind?

Sharks lack color vision due to having only one type of long-wavelength-sensitive cone cell in their retina. This finding may help prevent shark attacks and improve fishing gear design.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJan 18, 2011

Wiley celebrates a decade of publishing online books

Wiley's Online Books program has evolved over the past decade, providing customers with a wide range of access and purchase options. With over 10,000 online books available, the platform offers unparalleled convenience for researchers, academics, and professionals worldwide.

SourceWiley·DateJan 18, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 18, 2011

Research highlights the key role of estrogen signaling in maintaining energy balance, as well as the propagation of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Additionally, a new immune cell activator has been identified to protect mice from tumors through an IFN-gamma-independent mechanism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 18, 2011

Weizmann Institute scientists discover: Antioxidants cause fertility problems in females

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute discovered that antioxidants can cause a decrease in ovulation levels in female mice, potentially disrupting fertility. The study suggests that reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in the ovulation process and may be affected by antioxidant supplementation.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2011

Scientists bring cancer cells back under control

Researchers at the University of Nottingham successfully reactivated tumour suppressor genes in breast cancer cells by treating them with Axolotl oocyte extract, stopping cancerous growth after 60 days. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for developing a powerful new technology platform for the treatment of various cancers.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateJan 18, 2011

Antioxidants may improve chances of conceiving in male subfertility

A systematic review found that antioxidant supplements may benefit couples trying to conceive naturally, particularly when the male partner takes antioxidants. The review of 34 trials involving over 2,800 couples suggests a higher likelihood of pregnancy or live birth when antioxidants are used.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 18, 2011

Critique 029: What should we advise about alcohol consumption? A debate amongst scientists

A letter in Intern Emerg Med sparked a debate among scientists about advising the public on safe drinking levels. While some argue that people can't distinguish between low and high consumption, others contend that moderate drinking may reduce stroke risk. Experts emphasize the need for balanced scientific data and personalized advice.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInternal and Emergency Medicine·DateJan 18, 2011

Statins: Benefits questionable in low-risk patients

A new Cochrane Systematic Review questions the benefits of statins in people with no previous history of heart disease. Statin use should be prescribed with caution in those at low risk of cardiovascular disease, as the absolute numbers of people who benefit are lower.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 18, 2011

Why do our emotions get in the way of rational decisions about safety products?

A new study explores how emotions hinder safety product decisions, finding that people reject imperfectly safe options due to feelings of betrayal. Providing positive images and presenting information in a graphic format can help consumers make safer choices. Influencing others' choices can also encourage safer decisions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 18, 2011

Shrinking snow and ice cover intensify global warming

New research from the University of Michigan reveals that decreasing snow and ice cover in the Northern Hemisphere has exacerbated global warming, with a stronger positive feedback mechanism than initially predicted. The study shows that the cryospheric albedo feedback is almost twice as strong as models have simulated, contributing to...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 18, 2011

Adolescents with severe mental disorders have never received treatment

A recent study found that approximately one-third of adolescents with any mental disorder received services for their illness, while only half of those with severely impairing mental disorders had ever received mental health treatment. The study highlights the urgent need to address barriers to recognizing and treating mental health co...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 18, 2011

A different path to fat-related heart disease

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a genetic mechanism that causes lipotoxic cardiomyopathy independently of a diet high in fat. The study found that an imbalance in cellular fats can lead to heart problems, and targeting the SREBP protein may help prevent these issues.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 18, 2011

Atlas of an organism

A team of European researchers has generated a comprehensive digital gene expression atlas for the developing mouse embryo, revealing tissue-specific and overlapping gene networks. The atlas includes data for over 15,000 genes in hundreds of anatomical structures and provides insight into developmental processes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 18, 2011

Identity theft by aphids

Researchers discovered aphids on ginger and heliconia plants have genetic differences from those on banana plants, reclassifying them as a separate species Pentalonia caladii. This finding has significant implications for the biological control of banana aphids and preventing the spread of BBTV.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalZootaxa·DateJan 18, 2011

Chemists document workings of key staph enzyme -- and how to block it

Scientists have determined the structure and mechanism of a key enzyme in Staphylococcus aureus that produces cholesterol and a virulence factor. This breakthrough could lead to new cholesterol-lowering drugs and antibiotics against staph infections, as well as treatments for parasitic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2011

Breakthrough for more efficient drug development

A tiny polypeptide has been developed that can bind to target-seeking molecules, enhancing their properties and improving the efficiency of drug development. The concept presents a new approach to drug development, potentially allowing for rapid development of new drugs with reduced costs and time.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 18, 2011

Functional boost for magnetic resonance imaging

Researchers have developed a more robust approach to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that can improve the detection of neural activity and allow for more precise interpretations of fMRI data. This new technique involves three stages: prediction, modeling, and inference, which can turn noisy data into discrete sequences of ...

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateJan 18, 2011

Biological Psychiatry special issue: Postmortem research

This special issue of Biological Psychiatry highlights the benefits and challenges of postmortem research in studying psychosis, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders. Advances in science and technology have expanded the scope of postmortem work, allowing for more detailed studies of brain structure and function.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 18, 2011

Nanotech medicine

Researchers at EUREKA have developed a new laser-based technology to create nano-structured polymers that enable faster and more efficient growth of human skin cells. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize nanotech medicine, allowing for the creation of artificial implants and tissue engineering.

SourceEUREKA·DateJan 18, 2011

NSF funds new supercomputer at Syracuse University

Syracuse University's new supercomputer will enable scientists to explore the universe in ways not currently possible, with a focus on gravitational-wave astronomy and analysis of LIGO data. The computer cluster is one of three worldwide dedicated to this field, providing vital technologies for analyzing data from distant objects.

Adult ADHD significantly increases risk of common form of dementia

Research confirms adult ADHD significantly increases risk of developing degenerative dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a common cause of dementia in older adults. The study, published in the European Journal of Neurology, found 48% of patients with DLB had previously suffered from adult ADHD.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateJan 18, 2011

Robotic ghost knifefish is born

Researchers created a robotic fish that can swim vertically and horizontally with unprecedented agility. The robot uses a sophisticated fin to generate inward counterpropagating waves, allowing it to move in unexpected directions. Its potential applications include underwater recovery operations and long-term monitoring of coral reefs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 18, 2011

Scientists: Big city life may alter green attitudes

A new study published in British Environmental Conservation journal found that people with good jobs in large cities are more likely to engage in pro-environmental activities. The researchers analyzed data from China's General Social Survey, which showed employees who work for companies in big cities and hold leadership positions repor...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEnvironmental Conservation·DateJan 18, 2011

Korean researchers reveal new sea defense model

A new underwater warfare model has been developed by Korean researchers, using the DEVS formalism, to analyze the effectiveness of various tactics and weapon systems in combat scenarios. The model provides a flexible framework for testing different algorithms and parameters with minimal modification.

SourceSAGE·JournalThe Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation Applications Methodology Technology·DateJan 18, 2011